Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus that is configured to provide execution of a plurality of exercises wherein the exercise apparatus includes a bar member having movable segments operably coupled therewith. The exercise apparatus includes a bar member wherein the bar member includes a core section having a first end and a second end. The core section has telescopically secured thereto a pair of inner extendible segments and a pair of outer extendible segments. The outer extendible segments are configured to comprise the majority of the total weight of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus is configured with a central processing unit, a motion sensor and a transceiver that are operable to facilitate a communicable coupling with a remote computing device. The exercise apparatus is configured to have a plurality of accessory elements secured thereto such as but not limited to a pull up accessory and a push up accessory.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fitness equipment, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user the ability to efficiently change the style of exercise performed therewith that can range from weighted to non-weighted exercises.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, there are numerous types of exercise equipment and fitness routines available to individuals for use during an exercise program. The health and fitness industry has been proliferated with technology and equipment over the last several decades. Recreational athletes to professional athletes utilize specific equipment and routines to achieve their fitness objectives. Fitness is typically broken down into two categories of cardiovascular training and resistance training. Cardiovascular training is executed with the objective to achieve an increased heart rate for a certain period of time. Cardiovascular routines can be performed either with or without equipment and are focused on increasing the endurance of the participant. Resistance training involves the use of weights, bands or some type of force that is opposed to the movement of the user. Resistance training is executed with the objective of targeting a particular muscle group and increase the strength thereof.

There are numerous types of resistance exercise equipment such as but not limited to universal stack weight style and free weight style. Free weights are quite popular for some athletes and the use thereof includes a bar. There are many types of weight lifting bars that are designed to assist the user engage the weight lifting bar and weights in a specific manner so as to improve the desired results. Weight lifting bar styles can include but are not limited to a standard bar, trap bar, squat bar and curl bar. None of the aforementioned are designed be collapsible and are not easily transported. Additionally, these conventional styles of weight bars lack the ability to be adaptable for a plurality of exercises.

It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user an alterable bar wherein the bar of the present invention is movable between a first position and second position wherein weights and or other accessories can be releasably secured thereto in either position so as to facilitate a plurality of exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the apparatus of the present invention includes a bar.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the bar includes a core section having extendible segments.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the extendible segments are on opposing ends of the core section and are operable to move opposedly outward with respect to each other.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the extendible segments are weighted so as to comprise approximately seventy five percent of the weigh of the exercise apparatus.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the extendible segments are telescopically movable.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the present invention further includes an accessory for facilitating the execution of a push up exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the present invention further includes an accessory for facilitating the execution of a pull up exercise.

An alternate object of the present invention is to an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the exercise bar is lockable in various positions.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the outermost extendible segments include a rubber coating disposed on the exterior surface thereof.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the exercise bar includes a movement sensor.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises that further includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data.

An alternative objective of the present invention is to provide an exercise bar that is operable to be engaged by a user for various resistance exercises wherein the exercise bar includes a central processing unit operably coupled to the transceiver and is further communicably coupled to a mobile computing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus an exercise apparatus that is configured to assist a user in performing a plurality of exercises wherein the exercise bar of the present invention is provided in alternate weight sizes.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in an extended position; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in a collapsed position; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of present invention engaged with a push up accessory; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of present invention engaged with a pull up accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an exercise apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the exercise apparatus 100 includes core section 10. The core section 10 is cylindrical in shape and is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. The core section 10 includes a first end 11 and second end 12. The core section 10 functions as the base of the exercise apparatus 100 and as further discussed herein can be operably coupled to alternate accessory elements configured to facilitate the execution of a particular exercise. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the core section 10 could be manufactured in alternate lengths, diameters and weight. The exercise apparatus 100 is movable intermediate a first position and a second position as is illustrated in the Figures submitted herewith. The first position of the exercise apparatus 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein the bar member 5 is positioned so as to have the outer extendible members 40,45 adjacent to each other. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 herein, the second position of the bar member 5 has the outer extendible members 40,45 moved opposedly with respect to each other on bar member 5, shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates the bar member 5 in its fully extended position wherein the outer extendible members 40,45 and the inner extendible members 30,35 have been extended outward from the core section 10.

The outer extendible members 40,45 and inner extendible members 30, 35 are telescopically coupled to the core section 10. It should be understood that the telescopic and/or slidable movement of the outer extendible members 40,45 and inner extendible members 30, 35 could be achieved utilizing various suitable techniques. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the outer extendible members 40,45 and inner extendible members 30, 35 can be locked into position once extended. While the bar member 5 is illustrated herein having the outer extendible members 40,45 and inner extendible members 30, 35 it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the bar member 5 could have as few as one pair of extendible members or more than two pairs of opposedly extendible members. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the outer extendible members 40,45 and inner extendible members 30, 35 each could be manufactured in alternate lengths.

It is desired within the preferred embodiment of the present invention that the outer extendible members 40, 45 comprise about seventy five percent of the total weight of the bar member 5. The aforementioned weight distribution provides an interaction with the bar member 5 that is balanced for the user. While a desired weight distribution of the outer extendible members 40,45 is seventy five percent, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the bar member 5 could employ alternate weight distributions between the core section 10, the inner extendible members 30, 35 and the outer extendible members 40,45. It is desired within the scope of the present invention that at least fifty one percent of the total weight of the exercise apparatus 100 is in either the outer extendible members 40,45 or the inner extendible members 30, 35 or some combination thereof. While not particularly illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface 4 of the bar member 5 could have disposed thereon a rubber or similar material so as to provide enhanced grip and control of the bar member 5 during utilization thereof.

The exercise apparatus 100 further has disposed therein a central processing unit 70, a motion sensor 74 and a transceiver 76. The central processing unit 70 includes the necessary electronics to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data. The central processing unit 70 is operably coupled to the motion sensor 74 and transceiver 76. The motion sensor 74 is a conventional motion sensor and is operable to detect movement of the bar member 5 during use thereof. The motion sensor transmits a signal to the central processing unit 70 subsequent detection of movement of the bar member 5. Subsequently the central processing unit 70 utilizes the transceiver 76 to transmit a signal to a remotely coupled computing device (not illustrated herein) for recording of the movement. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the exercise apparatus 100 is communicably coupled to a mobile computing device having a software application thereon that is configured to provide storage and tracking of the movements, and as such the exercises, of the bar member 5.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, the exercise apparatus 100 is illustrated therein being operably coupled to push up accessory element 80. The push up accessory element 80 is configured to operably coupled to the bar member 5 so as to elevate the bar member 5 off a support surface to enable a user to engage the bar member 5 for execution of a push up exercise. The push up accessory element 80 includes a first portion 81 and a second portion 82 both being constructed identically. The push up accessory element 80 includes a central arcuate segment 85 that is contiguously formed with opposing support segments 86,87. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the push up accessory element 80 could be secured using integrated structural elements of the bar member 5 and push up accessory element 80 or be secured thereto utilizing elements such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the bar member 5 could be in either an extended or collapsed position during use of the push up accessory element 80.

Illustrated herein in FIG. 4 is the exercise apparatus 100 operably coupled with a pull up accessory element 90. While the pull up accessory element 90 is illustrated in a particular form herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the pull up accessory element 90 could be manufactured in alternate styles in order to achieve the desired function of allowing the user to use the bar member 5 and couple to a suitable support structure in order to execute a pull up exercise.

It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the bar member 5 of the exercise apparatus 100 could be provided in alternate weights such as but not limited to five pounds, ten pounds and twenty pounds. Additionally it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the bar member 5 could be configured to have releasably secured thereto conventional weighted plates so as to increase the overall weight thereof.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus configured to facilitate the execution of a plurality of exercises wherein the exercise apparatus comprises: a bar member, said bar member having a core section, said core section having a first end and a second end, said core section being manufactured from a rigid material, at least one pair of extendible segments, said at least one pair of extendible segments being slidably coupled to said core section of said bar member, said at least one pair of extendible segments configured to slide in opposed directions with respect to each other on said core section; and wherein the exercise apparatus is usable in a first position and a second position.
 2. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein in said first position of the exercise apparatus said at least one pair of extendible segments are adjacent one another.
 3. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein in said second position of the exercise apparatus said at least one pair of extendible segments are extended outward from said core section.
 4. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein at least fifty one percent of a total weight of the exercise apparatus is located in the at least one pair of extendible segments.
 5. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 4, and further including a central processing unit, said central processing unit disposed within the bar member, said central processing unit having electronics configured to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data.
 6. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 5, and further including a motion sensor and a transceiver, said motion sensor and transceiver being disposed within said bar member, said motion sensor and transceiver operable to communicably couple with a mobile computing device.
 7. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the exercise apparatus further includes a push up accessory element, said push up accessory element operable to facilitate a push up exercise for a user of the exercise apparatus.
 8. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the exercise apparatus further includes a pull up accessory element, said pull up accessory element operable to facilitate a pull up exercise for a user of the exercise apparatus.
 9. An exercise apparatus configured to facilitate the execution of a plurality of exercises wherein the exercise apparatus comprises: a bar member, said bar member having a core section, said core section having a first end and a second end, said core section being manufactured from a rigid material, said core section being cylindrical in shape, an inner pair of extendible segments, said inner pair of extendible segments being slidably coupled to said core section of said bar member, said inner pair of extendible segments configured to slide in opposed directions with respect to each other on said core section; an outer pair of extendible segments, said outer pair of extendible segments being slidably coupled to said inner pair of extendible segments, said outer pair of extendible segments configured to slide in opposed directions with respect to each other in order to extend a length of the bar member; wherein a majority of a total weight of the exercise apparatus is present in the outer pair of extendible segments and wherein the exercise apparatus includes a first position and a second position.
 10. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 9, and further including a central processing unit, said central processing unit disposed within the bar member, said central processing unit having electronics configured to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data.
 11. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 10, and further including a motion sensor and a transceiver, said motion sensor and transceiver being disposed within said bar member, said motion sensor and transceiver operable to communicably couple with a mobile computing device.
 12. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein in said first position of the exercise apparatus said outer pair of extendible segments are adjacent one another.
 13. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein in said second position of the exercise apparatus said inner pair of extendible segments and said outer pair of extendible segments are extended outward from said core section.
 14. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said outer pair of extendible segments have a weight that comprises seventy five percent of a total weight of the exercise apparatus.
 15. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the bar member is provide in alternate sizes having different total weights.
 16. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the exercise apparatus further includes a push up accessory element, said push up accessory element having an arcuate center portion configured to couple with the outer pair of extendible segments, said push up accessory element operable to facilitate a push up exercise for a user of the exercise apparatus.
 17. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the exercise apparatus further includes a pull up accessory element, said pull up accessory element operable to facilitate a pull up exercise for a user of the exercise apparatus. 